Diatomaceous earth (DE) offers an alternative method for detoxing your body, one that is cheap, simple, and effective. It doesn't require fasting or foul-tasting health foods, and many people have used it with great success. DE's naturally absorbent and abrasive nature makes it an ideal internal cleaner. As it passes through your system, it absorbs harmful toxins, and it does this without requiring you to change your diet or lifestyle.
Shop Food Grade Diatomaceous EarthHow Do I Know I Need to Detox?
Every day, we are exposed to harmful toxins like car exhaust, heavy metals, food additives, and cleaning chemicals. For the most part, our bodies are really good at cleaning out pollutants like these on their own, but sometimes they need a little extra help, and that's where detoxing with diatomaceous earth can help. If you chronically suffer from any of the symptoms listed below, it may be a sign that it's time to detox:
- Food cravings
- Inflammation
- Restless sleeping
- Poor focus
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes or outbreaks
- Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or other indigestion problems
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Body odor or bad breath
- Allergies
- Aches and pains
How Do I Detox with DE?
Detoxing with diatomaceous earth is easy. Simply follow these steps:
Step 1:
Take about one teaspoon of food grade diatomaceous earth with water once a day. Take it on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. DE is nearly tasteless, but if you don't like its mildly gritty texture, try taking it in juice, yogurt, or a smoothie.
Step 2:
Over the next few weeks, slowly raise your DE dosage from one teaspoon to two teaspoons, taking one in the morning and one teaspoon at night. We recommend taking up to a tablespoon per day.
Step 3:
Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout each day to keep your system hydrated.
Step 4:
In her book, All the Green Things You Can Do with Diatomaceous Earth, Tui Rose suggests taking DE 10 days on and 10 days off for 90 days, though many people have found different strategies that work for them. Some take it daily for a few weeks, others for years at a time. Experiment and see what works for you.
How Can I Boost My Detoxing Power?
While diatomaceous earth alone is a powerful cleanser, there are practices you can add to your detox to increase your body's ability to clean itself out:
- Cut back on greasy foods, refined carbs, and refined sugars. These foods add the kind of junk to your system that you are trying to clean out with your detox. Reducing these foods in your diet will make your detox more effective and will help the benefits of your detox last longer.
- Get some exercise. Along with promoting overall health, working out helps your body eliminate toxins. Even going for regular walks can have great benefits.
- Breathe deeply. Good breathing habits provide increased oxygen to the bloodstream while helping to expel toxins. Mindfulness meditation and yoga are great ways to practice good breathing.
How Do I Know My Detox Is Working?
Initially, you may feel some side effects, such as headaches and flu-like symptoms. These are caused by the toxins leaving your body and are not cause for alarm. If these symptoms persist, however, lower your diatomaceous earth intake. This will slow the release of toxins and reduce the side effects.
As you continue your detox over the next few weeks, whatever symptoms you have - the ones that prompted you to detox in the first place - should lessen or disappear altogether. Secondly, you should feel more energy and have better general health. After detoxing, many people feel like they have a new lease on life.
A Cautionary Note
Food grade diatomaceous earth is non-toxic and generally considered safe for consumption, but make sure you listen to your body. As mentioned above, side effects generally mean the detox is working - nothing to worry about. If your side effects persist, reduce your DE dosage to something your body is better able to manage.
If after a few weeks the detoxing doesn't lessen your symptoms, it may mean that your condition is serious enough that you should consider going to see your doctor.
Also, bear in mind that while detoxing with diatomaceous earth can promote good health and reduce negative symptoms, it has not been proven to cure any diseases. Continue to consult with your doctor regarding any existing health conditions and follow his or her recommendations.